A couple weeks have passed since the elections of the new IDF board members and during this time the new team has been working alongside the old board to transfer duties and plan for an ambitious project filled year.
Elections for the board took place between January 13 - 15 and the IDF’s membership body voted unanimously for the candidates whom they thought would be the best fit to lead the organisation.
The new members that comprise the board come from a variety of background creating a diverse team that is excited for the coming adventure.
Federico Barboni: President
Federico has a long-time downhill skateboard and street luge career lasting over the past 16 years. He has a vast knowledge of federation management as he has worked a role in the Italian National Federation as a downhill skateboard referent for the past 5 years. He has a master's degree in IT & Management from Bologna University and will work in growing downhill racing's profile across different nations and communities while developing the IDF's relationship with the IOC to recognize the sport on a global scale.
Max Vickers: Secretary
Max is a young professional rider with a fire for business. He's graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Technology Management and looks forward to applying his degree to his role with the IDF. He will handle back-end administrative work for the IDF as well as coordinate the organisation's overall communication and media management. Through exploring strategic PR opportunities and allocating the organisation's communications budget he plans to make downhill skateboard and luge racing a recognized sport in households.
Maga McWhinnie: Treasurer
Maga is a well-known advocate for downhill skateboarding in Australia and past national champion. She is a returning board member with a great knowledge for the structure of the IDF. She will be working closely with ex-board member Dave Robertson to handle management of the organisation's financials. In addition, she plans to further develop the racing scene in Australia and Asia through connecting with organizers and assisting with the growth of their events.
Mike Girard: NorAM Continental Representative
Mike is known for his community development along the east coast of the USA and his close ties with industry brands. His business knowledge and organizer experience will provide a unique insight into better optimizing world-cup management. He will be working closely with event organizers around North America to further develop the series on this side of the pond.
Tamara Prader: Europe Continental Representative
Tamara has become a recognized rider in the downhill racing scene and plays a major role in advocating for women in action sports. Her ties with the European racing scene will allow her to work with event organizers to grow the series in Europe and develop both current and new events.
Billy Meiners: NorAM Continental Representative
Billy has become an icon in the downhill racing scene and is well-known for his contributions with Landyachtz Longboards. He will apply his business and communication knowledge in assisting the management of media for the IDF. In addition, he will be working to learn the on-site representative duties and help with the organisation of the North American series of events.
Zak Maytum: NorAM Continental Representative
Zak is a returning board member, veteran racer, and business owner of Venom. He has a great understanding of the IDF's rulebook and safety regulations that comprise a well-run event. He will assess prospective events to ensure they meet the standards of a world-class race. In addition, he will be working alongside the North American representative to assist in growing the series in this region.
Alongside the newly appointed board members, there are a group of non-elected individuals that graciously volunteer with the organisation and assist in some of the work that takes place. We are thankful for all those that put fourth time towards the IDF and are always open to include others in the community that are interested in offering their support.
Welcome the 2017 / 2018 IDF team!
There is an exciting tour planned with world-class races on some of the best hills around the globe. The team is committed to sustaining the organisation's level of professionalism and enhancing the world-cup circuit for both riders and event organizers.
I wish to all the board members, volunteer, organizers and racer around the world a fantastic 2017 season!
